Wilkinson back for Newcastle

Jonny Wilkinson will make his return from shoulder surgery in Newcastle's Guinness Premiership clash against Northampton on Sunday.

Wilkinson, who underwent an operation earlier this summer and missed England's two-Test New Zealand tour, will reclaim the Falcons number 10 shirt for Saints' Kingston Park visit.

"Jonny is in great shape and raring to go," said Newcastle rugby director Steve Bates.

"I thought Rory Clegg did very well for an 18-year-old guy making his Premiership debut last weekend against Sale, but with a world-class talent like Jonny in the side, we will be a much more potent attacking force.

"The attention that the opposition have to give him often presents opportunities elsewhere on the field for other players.

"He knows what we as coaches are trying to achieve, and what he also brings is a great emphasis on precision in attack.

"He brings a huge amount of problems for defenders to deal with, firstly because he is a prolific goalkicker and teams are wary of conceding penalties in their own half, which in turn could well have implications on other areas of the game."